Cephacare for Dogs & Cats Flavour Tablets

Cephacare contains the well known antibiotic cefalexin in a palatable, beef flavoured tablet. It is used to treat infections of the respiratory, urinary, gastro-intestinal systems and the skin. It can also be used for localised soft tissue infections elsewhere in the body. Cephacare is used in dogs and cats. The tablets are given twice daily at a dose rate of 15- 30 mg/kg bodyweight, depending on the nature of the infection.

Description

Dosage and administration

For oral administration. Cephacare flavour tablets have a break mark on one side to enable more accurate dosing. Tablets may also be added to food if necessary. To avoid underdosing, the bodyweight should be accurately determined.

Dogs A dose of 15 mg/kg twice daily is recommended, to be doubled where appropriate. Treatment for five days is recommended. Any increase in dose or duration of use should be according to a risk/benefit assessment by the prescribing veterinarian (e.g. in cases of chronic pyoderma).

Cats A dose of 15 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days is recommended.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

For animal treatment only. Use of the product should be based on susceptibility testing and take into account official and local antimicrobial policies. Use of the product deviating from the instructions given in the SPC may increase the prevalence of bacteria resistant to cefalexin and may decrease the effectiveness of treatment with penicillins, due to the potential for cross resistance. In the case of an allergic reaction, treatment should be withdrawn. The administration of cefalexin has been shown to produce no serious side-effects at many times the recommended dose rate. As with other antibiotics which are excreted mainly by the kidneys, unnecessary accumulation may occur in the body when renal function is impaired. In cases of known renal insufficiency the dose should be reduced, antimicrobials known to be nephrotoxic should not be administered concurrently and the product should be used only according to a risk/benefit assessment by the responsible veterinarian. The safety of the product has not been demonstrated in studies in pregnant or lactating dogs and cats. Use only in accordance with a risk/benefit assessment by the responsible veterinarian. Transient episodes of soft faeces and vomiting have been observed in cats when given products containing cefalexin. Treatment should be discontinued if vomiting and diarrhoea develop. Vomiting has been observed occasionally in dogs when given products containing cefalexin.

Contraindications Do not use in cases of known hypersensitivity to the active substance to other cephalosporins, to other substances of the b-lactam group or to any of the excipients. Do not use in rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters.

User warnings Penicillins and cephalosporins may cause hypersensitivity (allergy) following injection, inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Hypersensitivity to penicillin may lead to cross-reactions to cephalosporin and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances may occasionally be serious. Do not handle this product if you know you are sensitised or if you have been advised not to be in contact with such substances. Handle this product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all recommended precautions. If you develop symptoms following exposure such as skin rash you should seek medical advice and show the doctor this warning. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes or difficulty breathing are more serious symptoms and require urgent medical attention. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Wash hands after use.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Return any tablet to the blister pack and use within 24 hours. Keep the blister pack in the outer carton. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not store above 25C. Store in a dry place. Do not use after the expiry date stated on blister and carton.

Disposal Any unused product or waste materials should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements.